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Sell-out crowd gathers for Sir Elton John

NOVELTY glasses, cardboard cut-outs and a rather convincing look-a-like were just some of the highlights of Sir Elton John’s performance at Leigh Sports Village.

The 17,000-strong sell-out crowd threw themselves into the event with one couple even sewing Elton and John on the backs of their t-shirts in bright pink sequins.

The people of Leigh came with their dancing shoes at the ready as the 67-year-old superstar played for two-and-a-half hours, performing songs from his new album The Diving Board as well as classics such as Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man and Bennie and the Jets.

LSV chief executive Simon Toon said: "We've been overwhelmed by the reactions we've had from people. It really felt like it was an event for the people of Leigh and they got behind it in their thousands and had a great time.

"The feedback we've received has been fantastic - even if people didn't actually come to the concert they participated with street parties, which all added to the buzz around the town. Local businesses all benefited too, which was great.

"Best of all, a number of people said the Elton John concert made them proud to be from Leigh.

"Personally, it was a fantastic event and I won't forget the audience's reaction to Crocodile Rock for a long time. It was great to hear Elton say how much he was enjoying playing in Leigh.

“I'm so proud of our staff who worked so hard to make it such a success and I'd also like to thank Leigh Harriers for being so accommodating with their facilities and Leigh Centurions for being so flexible and supportive.

“I'm sure the sell-out success of this show, which gave us national press and television coverage, will mean plenty of other promoters will be thinking that Leigh Sports Village is the perfect stage for wonderful events such as this."

Fans took to social media to express their delight at the atmosphere and compliment Leigh Sports Village for the way the evening had been organised.

Emily Catherall said: “Incredibly well organised and the most friendly and relaxed concert I've been to, what an evening!”

Martin Thornley added: “Well done Leigh Sports Village, it was incredibly well organised. Hopefully this is the first of many big concerts right on my doorstep.”

Denise Banks said: “An absolute credit to LSV and Leigh town. Fantastic atmosphere. I think we will all remember 'the day Elton John came to Leigh' for a long time.”

Lisa Mullin commented: “It was a brilliant night my daughter and I were up all night dancing away. What great atmosphere.”

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